Police: Beware of burglaries

Multiple break-ins were reported over weekend

By Ryan Carter - ryancarter@civitasmedia.com

Police are investigating a rash of burglaries reported over the weekend in the Storybrook neighborhood of Washington C.H.

During several of these burglaries and attempted burglaries overnight Friday and Saturday, the offender(s) broke into the homes while residents were sleeping, according to Washington Police Department Lt. Jon Long.

“There have been four confirmed house burglaries in the Storybrook area…two from residents living on Kathryn Court and two from residents living on Kimberly Drive,” said Long. “In addition to the confirmed burglaries, officers are aware of three attempted burglaries at residences on Topaz Lane.”

At both of the burglaries on Kathryn Court, the offender reportedly entered the occupied homes through unlocked doors. Cash and and an IPad were stolen from one home and a purse from the other, according to Long.

During one of the burglaries on Kimberly Drive, the offender reportedly cut a patio window screen and entered the home through an unlocked rear door. The unknown offender was confronted by the resident and fled, according to police. The resident was only able to provide a vague description of the person – five foot nine inches to five foot 10 inches, and around 170 pounds. Nothing was stolen during this incident.

The offender pushed out a window screen and attempted to slide open a window during another attempted burglary at a Kimberly Drive residence, according to Long. The window was unable to be opened due to installed security locks that prevent the window from sliding open.

Police said they believe these burglaries occurred between 3-5 a.m.

Three residents on Topaz Lane reported their window screens were removed, but no entry was made into the homes due to locked windows.

“Residents are reminded to make certain all exterior doors and windows are locked whenever they are away from home or have retired for the night,” said Long. “I would also encourage people to be vigilant and look out for their neighbors.”

There have also been reports of multiple vehicle break-ins in Washington C.H. recently. These break-ins occurred in parking lots on East East Street, Draper Street and South Glenn Avenue. In several incidents, windows were broken and purses and other contents were stolen, according to police.

“Please don’t leave anything of value in your car,” said Long. “Whether it be clothing, phones, purses, wallets….these are all targets for break-ins.”